The 27-year-old stay at the GABBA with a new deal that coach Justin Leppitsch confirmed on Thursday.

The ex-Melbourne man has struck career-best form in 2014, playing the past 11 matches after serious injuries to Matthew Leuenberger and Trent West opened the door for him at a stage where his AFL career was at the crossroads.

Martin has had an injury-plagued career that has reaped just 73 games in seven seasons.

“He’ll be here, there’s no worries,” Leppitsch said.

“It’s a credit to Stef. He’s had a breakout year – well, a breakout 10 games since the halfway mark – so well done and we’re rapt to have him.

“If he can play as well as he has for the past eight weeks, he would be in All-Australian contention.

“He’s quite a unique ruckman in that he can win a lot of ball and not just the hit-outs.”

The Lions are out of finals contention and face Geelong in the final match of the season at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.